UPDATE on 04.09.2013: It seems like the Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia (Jakim) has won the battle against Lamb Of God. The heavy metal group has been denied a permit to stage a concert in Kuala Lumpur on September 28th because their performances were found to infringe on religious sensitivities and cultural values of Malaysian society. As usual, the fans are those who suffer the most with this whole ordeal. The band also decided to cancel the show after reportedly being threatened.

Lamb Of God released this statement: "In response to the growing controversy and public protest within Malaysia, and on the advice of our management, we have elected to cancel our show in Kuala Lampur. It is very evident (and a bit frustrating) that the groups, parties and powers that have taken the most offense to our music and lyrics, have themselves only made a passing glance at the content and meanings of those songs. We would invite anyone offended by our music to engage in a discussion regarding the true motivations behind our work, especially before publicly slandering us based on assumptions and shallow misinterpretation."

"We sincerely apologize to our amazing fans in Malaysia for the cancellation. However, in light of recent events in the band's history, and given the increasing fervor of the media coverage regarding the Malaysian controversy, our management feels that the environment surrounding the upcoming show is becoming increasingly volatile. More than anything, we do not wish to jeopardize the safety of our crew, our fans or ourselves. Many thanks to all who have spoken out in our support through this."

Statement by Livescape Sdn. Bhd: "It is with utmost regret that we announce the cancellation of the Rockaway showcase that was to feature the Grammy nominee band, Lamb Of God on September 28 in Kuala Lumpur. This difficult decision was made after thorough deliberation by us at Livescape and taking into account the objections raised by various groups as well as life threats made by certain irresponsible individuals towards the band members themselves."

Original news, published on 01.09.2013: The tough times for Lamb Of God continue. According to New Straits Times, the Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia (Jakim) has raised objections to the scheduled performance of the US band in Kuala Lumpur where they would headline the Rockaway Festival on September 28th. The Department has called on the authorities to ban Lamb Of God from performing in the country. Its director general Datuk Othman Mustapha said the band from Virginia had "blasphemous elements".

"Lamb Of God had drawn many controversies and was dubbed a 'satanic' band that fitted evil spirituality and anti-godliness even by the Christian community," he said in a statement. "The name Lamb Of God also referred to Jesus that Christians referred to as the son of god," he said.

The department claimed the band had aired Quranic verses during their performances in the United States previously and had suggestive song titles such as "Walk With Me In Hell", "Sacrament", and "Resurrection". He said the band's New American Gospel album, released in 2000, opposed Islamic Syariat (Sharia) and morals.

"The organising of such events do not only corrode morality but also the faith of Muslims. Performances by heavy metal outfits that were often extreme also encouraged its audience to lose control," he said, adding that the entry of such bands also promoted the Black Metal genre that the government had opposed.

He said the department hoped the authorities involved would not approve the permit to allow the band to perform. It was reported that Ikatan Rakyat Insan Muslim Malaysia (Irimm) president Amir Amsaa Alla Pitchay had raised the issue and will submit a memorandum to various ministries to ban Lamb Of God.

What is it with places wanting to keep metal out of things for reasons that make little sense if you actually know the band in question? First Sabaton in Russia, now Lamb of God in Malaysia...you'd think there was a vendetta on or something!